Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.
French sources say Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan are all chasing the France international.
However, United have jumped to the front of the queue after making contact with Rennes about a fee for M'Vila, who so far boasts six caps for Les Bleus.
Just 20, M'Vila is being lined up by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as a replacement for injury-plagued Owen Hargreaves, who comes off contract next month.
A deal worth in the region of £15 million has been mooted.
